Monday, April 18, 20113-pointers a problem for Portland
By Tim MacMahon

DALLAS – Game 1 was decided by free throws and 3-pointers, Portland coach Nate McMillan has said several times.

McMillan has made his dissatisfaction with the free throw disparity known. But he had no complaints about the looks Portland got from the perimeter despite the Trail Blazers making only 2-of-16 3-point attempts.

“They had some good looks,” Jason Kidd said. “We were very fortunate that they did miss. If they didn’t, we’re probably sitting here looking at a loss.”

Kidd’s shooting also had a lot to do with the Mavs taking a 1-0 series lead. The Blazers dared Kidd to beat them with his shot, which seemed like a sound strategy considering he was coming off his worst shooting season with ages and failed to make a field goal in the previous two games against Portland. Kidd did beat the Blazers, knocking down six of 10 shots from 3-point range en route to a season-high 24 points.

Suffice to say, the Blazers didn’t see a career-playoff-high six 3-pointers coming from Kidd.